Decent

This game is fun, would give it a 7.5/10 if possible. The game looks and sounds great, but has some core gameplay issues. Some character/stage combinations are really tedious to win (ie the guy that HAS to take more turns when he gets hurt versus the area that punishes you for that) to the point where it feels like they were designed independent of one-another. Looping feels like an afterthought where the game forces you into a specific character set-up because of how bloated the enemy numbers and effects get. Just difficulty for the sake of difficulty with little nuance (since you’re still limited to 3 options at all times but the number of bad moves becomes “all of them”). This is also one of the few games I’ve seen advertise things that AREN’T in the game so proudly, since the “elegant system” it talks about gets completely borked by later loops. I’d still pick it up, but keep in mind that the game falls apart at later loops.

Worth 5 bucks

One of the best games i have played before, it’s unique fun and doesn’t require internet like 98.7% of the “games” on the app store at the moment. The full version is so worth it i wish this game had come put sooner so i could have played during 2020 because this game is also amazing to pass time. My personal favorite character is the Cappyzerker because its ment for combos and destruction, even if it makes the fortress level harder (none of this is relevant unless you buy the full version(which is worth it btw)) People who leave reviews on the app store like i have seen expect everything for free because about all of them are children under the age of 13 and want everything on a silver platter. Actual criticism: there are only 3 maps and about 5 billion characters to play. Add some more maps please. The game gets repetitive, and i know the dev can’t fix this too easily but its just useful info for anyone getting the game who bothers to read this essay, and (i hate to say this) but i feel that more should be in the free version since you only get one world and one character, and since a world is only 8 stages, you could finish the game in under half an hour.

Clever idea, great execution, amazing game!

I preordered this game a while back and, to be honest, totally forgot about it. But once I saw it on my phone I remembered about it and got pretty excited. After the tutorial I figured out the basic rules, and the touch and hold feature to check out what things do was extremely helpful. The only thing I hadn’t quite figured out was how to win. I lost my first try in the goblin caves on room 6, but by the time I reached there again I had developed a better overall understanding and strategy. Overall the game idea is original and entertaining, and the simple layout makes it easy to learn. It might take time to remember all the monster traits, but what game is mastered in an hour. With all this being said, I feel as if the $6.99 price tag for only 2 more dungeons is a difficult price to justify. Even with all the other features in the full version, the fact that you only get 2 new groups of enemies is a deal breaker for me. Regardless, it’s a wonderful game and I think the devs did a wonderful job.

Clever Roguelike Chess Puzzler

Roguelike portrait with one thumb mechanics. Move your warrior around a small grid using cards based on chess pieces to land on enemies to destroy them. Knights let you jump around like L’s, Queen’s rule the board and pawns can only move forward. You’ll have three options every round (play a card and see it replaced) and you’ll need to either fight or flee. Board shows what each grid will do to you if you land there, while cards can be upgraded with defense, bonus moves or damage. It’s a clever game that takes some chess knowledge (not much though) to be successful at. Rounds last only a few minutes and entire runs can be less than 20. It’s not a builder though, in the sense you can remove pieces, or build synergies, but more along just upgrading as many cards as you can with bonuses and hope you get a good draw. I think this game it pretty neat, but it could use a little more content

Great game concept!

Although I have not yet bought the full game, I can already say that this game is great! I really love the concept and the simplistic art style. It’s a very good time killer and easy to play on the go! With all that being said, there are some very minor things I think should be added. You can dismiss this part of the review as I have not fully bought the game which may affect my judgement. I believe there should be and indicator of the modifiers on the chess pieces on the board (like the X and +) and there should be written somewhere the amount of moves I have. Again very minor stuff that can be easily changed. I am still holding out buying the full game because I believe more things should be added. However I know that in future updates that will be changed. I have very high hopes for this game and everyone should give it a chance!

Good Game with So Much Potential!

This game is something that takes two things I love… Chess and Card battle games! It’s a very unique game that smoothly combines chess and card action games into a fun blend. I found the gameplay to be quite enjoyable, and it was easy to pick up and learn! But don’t be fooled, it’s not a walk in the park! I found myself having to try the first dungeon a few times before I could eventually beat it. But for any chess lover or card player this is a very fun and unique game to give a try! The only gripe you could say I have with it is the price to unlock all content. For $6.99 it’s seems a bit steep for what you’re getting. I’m currently deciding whether or not to unlock the full game, but I know this game is new and they need to make profit somehow so no biggie. But really love what you’ve made! Keep up the great work!

Amazing, need more mobile games like this.

I’ve only played the demo and had a blast. I plan on buying the full game (just moved and got a new job, waiting for payday). I’m personally a sucker for roguelike/roguelite games and for chess. When I found this game combined the two, I HAD to try it out. The tutorial was straightforward (if you actually take the time to read) and the Goblin Caves were challenging, making me actually think. It took me about 1.5 hours to get through the demo (tutorial and Goblin Caves) and was 100% worth my time. Looking forward to buying the full game and future updates!

Great puzzle roguelike

Pawnbarian is a great, challenging game that’s much deeper than it might first appear. The mechanics are easy to pick up, even if you don’t know chess well—hold on a card or enemy for useful tips. Figuring out how to get through a floor without too much damage and what upgrades to use on your deck is more challenging. I first played the game in its mobile beta, when it was just one character and dungeon. I’m blown away by what the developer’s added since then. Well worth the $6.99 unlock for the full game, in my opinion, but it costs you nothing to try and see if it’s up your alley.

Indie developer Jan Wojtecki has shared his experience of promoting its roguelike Pawnbarian. Although he had no budget for marketing,...

Game World Observer Thu Apr 28 2022

Developer Jan Wojtecki has announced the upcoming launch of Pawnbarian on July 26th, letting players get a taste of the chess-themed...

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The roguelike subgenre has been providing the most original ideas in the gaming world for a long time. Perhaps because every second...

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The idea is that you'll play cards from your deck in order to move your player through each floor of a dungeon, defeating enemies, collecting items, and moving...

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